Assisted living residents typically pay a monthly fee that includes rent, services and amenities. Long-term care insurance or VA Aid and Attendance benefits can offset this fee. Residents can also use annuities to secure their future financial well-being.
Peace of Mind
The word peace of mind is used in many ways, but it generally describes a state of calmness or contentment. It also can mean freedom from worry or concern. Seniors and their loved ones must consider this when choosing a care option, like assisted living. The main advantage of a retirement community over a home is the ability to enjoy a rich social environment without worrying about the everyday tasks of keeping a house clean, shopping for food and supplies, or maintaining transportation. This allows the seniors to regain the independence they might have lost in their own homes. Residents of an assisted living facility typically pay a monthly fee that includes room and board and services and amenities. This can be produced from savings or personal income, a pension or retirement plan, long-term care insurance, or the VA Aid and Attendance benefit program.
Health Care
Many older adults find maintaining their homes difficult, particularly if they have mobility impairments. They might need help with cooking, bathing, shopping, managing medications and other basic activities of daily living. Assisted living communities, such as Westminster Baldwin Park, Orlando, can provide them the care they need in a comfortable, home-like environment with available meals and social activities. Many communities also offer educational courses and seminars. For example, a six-week curriculum taught by a professor about the history of medieval knights was delivered in one community. The size of the residence and the kind of services needed determine the average monthly cost of assisted living. It may be less expensive than nursing home care in the same region. Often, long-term care insurance policies, veterans’ Aid and Attendance benefits or Medicaid can offset the cost. To see if you might qualify, take our free Medicaid eligibility test. SSI also covers the room and board costs for seniors with limited income and assets.
Socialization
A regular lack of socialization can significantly negatively impact a senior’s mental and emotional well-being. In assisted living, a person’s care team ensures they can participate in daily social activities with a sense of purpose and connection.
The community also provides various educational programs to help seniors stay current on current events and develop new skills. For example, some assisted living communities have mentorship programs that pair older adults with high school seniors to connect and exchange career advice over several weeks. In addition, many assisted living homes offer a variety of safety features that can reduce the risk of falls. These include ramps, flat thresholds and hallway handrails. Additionally, some communities have specialized bathrooms with raised toilets and grab bars to reduce the risk of injury. Finally, many people find that if their family home is too expensive to afford assisted living, they can use long-term care insurance to cover the cost.
Respite
Caring for an elderly loved one is often a full-time job. But sometimes you need to run errands, attend a meeting at work or take a vacation. Respite care services offer a solution. Caregivers step in for a few hours or days while your senior family member enjoys activities in a safe and supervised setting. Seniors who live alone sometimes feel lonely or depressed, especially when they have to rely on family members for rides or have limited mobility. In an assisted living community, seniors socialize with other residents in similar situations. Residents pay a monthly fee that includes rent, amenities and services. This is typically produced from personal funds such as Social Security or retirement income, money from the sale of a home, long-term care insurance or veterans’ benefits. Many states also have waivers to help low-income seniors afford a place in an assisted living facility.
